Overview & Reviews

The Jaguar S-Type was always a bit of a throwback. Stately and posh, the S-Type's exterior design showed shades of the '60s Jaguar saloons, from which its designers cribbed generously. The distinct styling also distinguished the S-Type from other luxury sedans on the market, which more typically feature sharp edges and angled surfaces.

At its debut for 2000, the Jaguar S-Type signified the first real fruit of the Ford-Jaguar partnership. Born as the classier-looking twin of the Lincoln LS, the S-Type was the brand's first true competing model in the modern midsize luxury segment. However, any sort of dynamic excellence exhibited by that platform faded quickly and the S-Type lived long past its expiration date. Its once-novel retro styling eventually became synonymous with a brand perilously stuck in the past. As such, one of the car's more up-to-date competitors might be a better choice. Also, you'll want to pay close attention to the model's history, as Jaguar made continual improvements to rectify early mistakes.

Most Recent Jaguar S-Type

The Jaguar S-Type was a four-door sedan produced from 2000-'08. It survived for one generation and there were some incremental changes over the years, mainly on the inside. It was replaced by the Jaguar XF

Originally, Jaguar rated the S-Type's 3.0-liter V6 at 240 horsepower (this number lowered slightly for 2002 and '04) and the 4.0-liter V8 at 281 hp (reduced to 277 hp for 2002). A five-speed automatic was at first standard, but for 2003, Jaguar replaced it with a six-speed and made a new five-speed manual transmission standard on the 3.0 trim. It was never popular with consumers, however, and Jaguar dropped it two years later. For 2004, the optional V8 was upped to 4.2 liters and 293 hp. Two years later, it was raised to 300 hp.

Regardless of year, we found the V6 to be underpowered given the S-Type's considerable weight, and recommended sticking with the beefier V8. Despite the light steering and a soft suspension -- two deliberate traits of the brand -- all S-Types nevertheless felt stable through the turns.

The most important addition to the Jaguar S-Type came in 2003, when the 390-hp supercharged R trim was released. From 2004 to its final year, the S-Type R produced 400 hp. While it was capable of doing the 0-60 drill in just 5.3 seconds, there was more to the R than mere muscle. It was an all-around performer, equipped with larger disc brakes, an adjustable sport-tuned suspension system and 18-inch wheels (19s for 2008). Still, the S-Type R could never stand toe-to-toe with the best high-performance sedans from Germany.

At first, the S-Type's cabin was widely considered unbecoming of the Jaguar name. Both the design and materials seemed down-market and indicative of the car's Ford roots. For 2003, the interior received a thorough overhaul, bringing it more in line with the pricier XJ in terms of design and luxury trappings. The interior was upgraded again in 2005 (along with the exterior), but changes were minor. Nevertheless, controls maintained a certain "ye-olde" quality to them and switchgear (as on the XJ) seemed cheaper than the rest of the car.

Equipment levels were also increased as the many years went by, from the optional CD changer when introduced to Bluetooth phone connectivity in its waning hours. And because it was a Jaguar, leather and wood trim were never in short supply.

In reviews of the Jaguar S-Type, consumers typically praise the car's styling and features. They've commented unfavorably about its small trunk and the poor shift quality in earlier cars. The Jaguar's overall reputation for reliability is also not as good as those of other midsize luxury sedans from Japanese automakers.

User Reviews:

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  Great acceleration,great looks,great fin - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Jogden - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Acceleration great when passing-also safe because pass is quick. People seem to know the car-lots of good comments.

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  ccjag - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By CCjag - December 3 - 2:00 am

  great car fun to drive

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  PUMA!!!! - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By mac210boy - November 28 - 8:59 pm

  I Love the wat the car drives and handles! I bought it with 83,000 miles on it and added 13,000 so far. I have not had any problems with PUMA except for a power stering leak! It is a great buy for me. Im 60" and have no problem with the space on the inside!

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  Honest Review - 2002 Jaguar S-Type
  By I.K. - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought the S-Type a year ago. Love the looks. Mercedes/BMW/Acura all look too plain and old to me, especially the cheap-looking interior on Beamers. S-type definitely has something exotic and different about it. Hand-carved wood/lamb leather/other interior parts are top-notch. V6 engine wishes for better performance. 240 horses aren’t adequate for the heavy body. Acceleration is quite jumpy, especially when downshifting. Very nice handling for the price of tight suspension. Had very loud clicking noise in steering wheel shaft, took it to dealership 4 times before they finally took it apart and replaced it. Overall, its a very good vehicle and definitely the biggest head-turner for the price

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  Great CAR - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By bmangana - October 20 - 10:00 am

  14K miles and 2 years with no problem. Fun to drive, very confortable. The V8 has more than enough power. Best looking car on the road.

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  Jaguar S-Type R - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By DCastleman - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Incredibly fun car to drive with amazing acceleration and wonderful handling. Carries four comfortably and has the classic Jaguar look. A true luxury automobile with style, power, handling, and class.

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  Performance for those with patience - 2005 Jaguar S-Type
  By RWhite - September 19 - 2:46 pm

  Fast, luxurious, comfortable, and very easy to handle. However, 25 months after I bought it new, during which it was in the shop for warranty work for 38 days, I had to trade it for a car I could depend on. When it runs, it is wonderful. However, everything negative about Jaguars reliability came true. I would only recommend this car to someone who has money, patience, and lives very close to a Jaguar dealer.

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  Looks amazing, quality is the worst of all-time - 2000 Jaguar S-Type
  By jaketthomas - September 19 - 12:36 am

  I always loved the looks of Jaguars. I always wanted one. I bought a 2000 S-Type with 48k miles on it. Thought, I cant go wrong! From day 1, every, oh, Id say 30-45 days, the check engine light comes on. Yes, needs a repair, whether it be minor or major about once a month, on average. Ignition Coils, 4 catalytic converters, oxygen sensor, the Heat completely stopped working twice, Gearbox went, had a bizarre problem with my rear brakes, CD changer shorted out, cigarette lighter blows fuses once a month, rear windows dont go down, one back door doesnt shut all the way... I could literally go on and on. This car is the biggest piece of crap imaginable.

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  Great Car - 2004 Jaguar S-Type
  By Tiger Tzu - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful styling with quality comfort features

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  What a Car - 2001 Jaguar S-Type
  By Quill - August 29 - 10:00 am

  Best car I have owned...always reliable the last 4 years....considering moving up to a 2005 model